Dublin’s Festive Programme

Come into the city centre and experience the magic of Dublin at Christmas

Dublin at Christmas, a partnership between DublinTown, Dublin City Council, Luas Cross City and the city centre businesses, today launched the much anticipated programme of festive fun for this Christmas season. Information on all upcoming events, family fun, Christmas shopping services and special offers can be found right here!

Dublin City Centre is always a magical place at Christmas and this year will be the best one yet with a variety of events for all ages taking place during the weeks running up to Christmas.

The Christmas season doesn’t officially begin until the festive lights are switched on in the city. The iconic Dublin Christmas lights on Henry Street and Grafton Street will be switched on during the month of November. Shoppers can celebrate the start of Christmas beneath the festive glow when the businesses in the city centre bring almost 30 streets alive with the magic of Christmas! On Sunday 29th November, Ardmhéara Críona Ní Dhálaigh will turn on the lights of the Christmas Tree in O’Connell Street and we will try to beat our own world record for The ‘Geansaí Nollag’ Christmas jumper challenge.

Ardmhéara Bhaile Átha Cliath Críona Ní Dhálaigh said “Christmas is the most magical time of the year and I’m delighted to lead Dublin City Councils involvement in the Dublin at Christmas partnership with DublinTown. As Lord Mayor, I invite everyone to visit the city centre on Sunday, 29th November and join me in switching on the Christmas tree lights on O’Connell Street. There are many great events taking place this season and I would encourage families to come and experience the unique atmosphere that Dublin City Centre has to offer. Tugtar cuireadh do chuile dhuine teacht isteach go Baile Átha Cliath um Nollag chun sult a bhaint as an gceol, na soilse agus an t-atmaisféar spraíúil.”

DublinTown CEO, Richard Guiney said: “Dublin is the place to be at Christmas, there is no place quite like it; the lighting up of the city’s streets adds to the special magic. Christmas is a fantastic time for families to come and enjoy their city. It is a special time with special memories that last a lifetime. With Dublin City Council and our partners we have ensured that there will be several festive activities for all to enjoy, including the traditional Christmas jumper world record attempt and the free family fun each Saturday. We are really excited about Christmas 2015. All signs are that this will be the busiest Christmas for many years when the buzz and atmosphere will be second to none. “

Also on Thursday 26th November 2015, 5.30pm – Ardmhéara Críona Ní Dhálaigh will light the I BELIEVE 50ft Christmas Tree in George’s Dock and officially open the new I Believe Christmas Village in the city’s Docklands area.

Sunday 29th November 2015, 3.30pm – 6.00pm switching on of O’Connell Street Christmas Tree lights by an tArdmhéara Críona Ní Dhálaigh. (event organised by Dublin City Council) The Geansaí Nollag 2015 world record breaking Christmas jumper challenge will also take place at the O’Connell St event. Additionally on O’Connell Street, the I BELIEVE Christmas Village from the docklands will locate a small satellite market in front of the Clerys building. It will be opening on Sunday 29th November and run through December.

Tuesday 8th December 2015 – The Live Animal Crib opens at the Mansion House. The much loved IFA Live Animal Crib, a joint initiative between Dublin City Council and the Irish Farmers’ Association will celebrate its 21st year at the front of the Mansion House from the 8th December. Entrance is free, but donations are welcome to the Mansion House Fuel Fund, one of Dublin’s oldest charities.

The Dublin at Christmas website is the one-stop-shop for all the festivities taking place in Dublin City Centre this Christmas, including shopping, eateries, family events, special offers, celebrations and much more. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for updates!